Are Apple mac's better than PC's, or are they not worth the cost?

Question

Thanks!! =D

Answer 1

it really depends on what you plan on using the computer for. apple is famous for stability and art/design related aspects, but tend to fall short when related to gaming. personally i like PC simply because they're more customizable and i know the OS better than a mac's

Answer 2

First off; just to be clear PC means "personal computer" . The term PC has been used to term any computer made by any company that houses the operating system Windows or Linux.



Apple machines were just termed Apples or Macs.

Macs. can be partioned to take both Apple programming and PC programming.



PC's cannot take Mac programming because PC's are too stupid. " A brain surgeon can dig a ditch, but a ditch digger cannot do brain surgery "successfully". A smart person can do a dumb job but a dumb person cannot do a smart persons job.



That are the facts.



If you have never used a computer before then you are in great shape. It is all new to you. There is no thought processes to unlearn.



It is basically that. The unlearning process.



One is MacDonalds, the other is a "speciality" buger.



It really depends what you want the machine for. Know yourself.

For just email, recording some "pre-recorded tunes" or "pre-recorded movies" or playing "pre-made games", and some business applications - then a PC is sufficient.



If however, you are into "creating" the movies (such as animations), "creating" video games with awesome graphics

-rather than just being a user - - then Apple is the way to go.



Apple can do the other stuff that PC's can do :"plus".

They can make a MacDonalds burger if that is all that you want.



But you have the option.

You are either the user, or the creator.



PC's have always followed behind Apple.



PC's are cheaper because they do not fully test out their products(R&D costs). They hope no problems will show, but it is the consumers who are the testers(and don't get paid for it).

If a problem is found, then the PC programmers write a "band-aid aid program" for that issue.(Patches) Meanwhile during that time all your possibly sensitive information is already in the hands of "those evil doers and you are screwed. Can't change it for yourself; but for others - they are protected.



Apple does not get viruses. True for 2 reasons. It is harder to write a viral code into a program that does not have "holes" in it. And it is not a mainstream as Windows.



However if you partition an Apple computer and put Windows on 1/2 of it...that is now infectable because the Windows program is the problem.



Now, having both Windows and Apple operating systems on one computer is like having to learn both English and a totally different language side by side. You are going to know one of them better than the other and will develop a preference. The carry over applications are being able to type and use the mouse. After that it is nothing so to speak. Much of the internet is set up to handle both Apple or Windows or Linux (a language more similar to Apple than to Windows but again different).



My next machine will be an Apple (I am pretty sure about that, I think...however, I would still like to try one out for a couple of days just to be sure)or at least be shown what can be done. That would be most preferable.

But finding used machines - there is not that many. You are basically starting from scratch with everything.

Research it farther than Yahoo. Go out and ask at colleges. As they use machines and don't make money because they don't sell them. Much cheaper to ask beforehand.

I got a Linux disc. I am hesitating to program one of my computers for Linux.



I am getting tired learning. But if I got to learn Vista, then the Apple program is no biggy as far as I am concerned.



As for additional ram options. Apple has made their machines with enough ram already so you don't require any more.



PC's vary because they cheaped out on the ram and you have to buy extra to get it up to decent. So in the end, the cost is the same.

Answer 3

This question is difficult to answer because we are dealing with personal preferences.Why?

Because the PC is based on the INTEL CPU and chip-set while in the past MAC's they were based on the Motorola and IBM CPU's.

NOW that is all changed.

In 2005 Apple became a PC on the inside!

But now the decision is how do you like the HOW your computer operates.

The new MAC uses Leopard which is a flavor of Linux.

The Microsoft X-box is a flavor of Linux.

Microsoft uses a variation of Nortels' operating system for their control systems (hence the name NT).

My personal observation reveals that if a person prefers to drive an automatic sports car rather than a manual 5 speed sports car they will prefer a MAC operating system.

Now that they are inside the same thing it's the HOW they do it that is the difference.

Your friends who have PC have them show you around and let you test drive it. Same for the MAC.

In the end it for your enjoyment not what others think :)

Answer 4

Questions like this tend to get a lot of spam-answers from mac owners or PC owners stating that their brand is better for no real reason.



The truth is, PCs and Macs have their strengths and weaknesses.



PCs are great for most people and can run many different programs, and are great with games.



Downside of PCs is they can get viruses and are known to crash. Although this can happen, PCs don't really crash as much as advertisers want you to believe, and as long as you have an anti-virus program, you're alright





Macs can also run a large variety of programs and are usually know to be great with media such as pictures and video editing.



Macs don't have to worry about viruses (only because virus programmers consider them to be a waste of time) but Macs are not good for playing games and some programs wont run on Mac.





It all really depends on what is is you're looking for in a computer. If you can spend the money and want a media computer, Macs may be the way to go. However if you're more into gaming or running many programs, PC might be the right choice.



In reality though, both are very close to being the same thing.

Answer 5

Macs are better, but not worth the extra $. OSX is so much quicker than windows, with less bugs, lower crash rates, and significantly less virus attacks. The hardware on the other hand... these days an iMac is nothing more than a PC with a different name. This isn't a bad thing, as it's bringing the age of interoperability that much closer (Boot Camp, VMWare, Hackintosh, etc.) So yeah, don't spend the extra $$$ just cuz you want a Mac. Go buy a PC, check out http://wiki.osx86project.org/wiki/index.php/Main_Page and build yourself a Hackintosh.

Answer 6

Built wise they're about the same. You really do pay extra for the Operating System. However, all the software you buy to protect your computer PC side can bring the prices close to par. One reason computers come so cheap is the trial software they package them with.



It also depends on what you're going to use it for. If you do a lot of work with video editing, photo-editing, or to some extent flash animation, then a Mac is good for you. If you do a lot of gaming and gaming only, then a PC is good for you. If you game just to relax and do mostly the former, then a Mac would be good enough.



Also, when buying a Mac, if you do decide to, do not purchase RAM upgrades through Apple. Purchase them from Corsair or OWC. Apple tends to gouge you on RAM prices. Though I'm not sure if they still do or not.

Answer 7

no! pc is soo much better!! people will tell you macs are awesome and all this blah blah blah.. dont listen to them, i have a pc, and i love it very much, better than the macs i use all the time, you get alot of programs with the pc, (other than us americans) the majority of the world uses pcs, macs are more commonly found in educationl backgrounds like school work etc, which a pc can do the same stuff also. a mac is not worth the cost, considering you actually aren't getting anything better even though it is a newer model. get a pc.. you wont regret it trust me! xD

Answer 8

Don't listen to everyone's biased opinion.



It depends on what you use you computer for.



If your into gaming and already used to the PC get a Windows Machine.



If you're into video editing and music. Apples the way to go.



A Mac, once you've got the learning curve is simple to use. If its your first machine you'll be able to use it easily due to the simplicity. Mac's also are more secure, very little viruses.



For me honestly, I use a PC. This is simply because I'm a gamer and am used to the Windows interface,

Answer 9

Mac's are PCs (personal computers). So PCs and Macs are pretty much the same. Macs are not worth the extra bucks and they are completely prioritized. If you own a Mac and something breaks you must replace the broken part with an exact duplicate. They are nice computers, but again, not worth the extra $'s.

Answer 10

I know someone with an Apple and she constantly has problems with it. I've worked with PC's since I was three, they are totally better the apples, (Which I have tried various times), I'd say PC is better, but it really depends on the owner of the computer, not anyone other then your opinion. For me its a PC, for you, if you learn computers easily, it would probably be an Apple. If you are used to the standard basic computers that make it simple to find everything, its gotta be a PC.

Answer 11

They are good machines but they cost too much. PC's can be just as good and cost way less. So i don't think they are worth your money. Just as with the ipod, it is a cool mp3, but i can get an mp3 with all the same functions for at least 100$ less. The reason they are that expensive is the fact it is an apple product.

Answer 12

They are infinitely better if:



You are using the computer for anything other than surfing the web or playing games that don't stress your computer much



Are using them for their extras, such as video software



You know your way around a computer more than the average person and prefer something reliable



Otherwise PC cost less, and for most people it's the best idea to have

Answer 13

as a pc user, i highly reccommend getting a mac. i've had more trouble with technical problems than it is worth. it's only a year old and i've already had the motherboard completely crash and had to have it replaced. i've also had two defective chargers that have had to be replaced. it keeps getting corrupted files and is basically a pain in the butt.



i do live my laptop, which has vista, when it works. because despite the hardware difficulties and being prone to various little problems vista is wonderful.



however, i reccommend getting a mac, my friends all say they're pretty sturdy, and i know for a fact they are far less likely to have any viral or hardware problems.

Answer 14

Apple mac desktop or laptop is always better than your windows pc's .

Because you do not have virus problem or operating system crashing problem in mac. you will not loos any data from your mac computer because of crashing your operating system. Every 5 to 7 months you have to reinstall windows because of infection of virus or slower your computer etc...



you can use mac operating system 5 to 10 years or even more without reinstalling again and again.



Even i am using mac laptop since 1999 to till today at same operating system without reinstalling it anything.



Only thing you should be famliar with it.



Thanking you



Have a great time



Yours sincierely



Munesh kumar

http://www.muneshkumar.net

Answer 15

Mac's All the Way!!!!

my imac can play Call of duty 4 at highest graphics which many PC's cant!! imovie is so much fun!!! and Garage band is just plain awesome!!!

sweet webcam with 100's of thing you can add to yourself like beards and a knife in your head its so much fun!! Mac cant get Viruses so they last for a long time without slowing down.

BUY IT!!! You wont regret it

Answer 16

OMG!! There are ONLY 700 games for a MAC. How many will fit on your computer?



Leopard is now UNIX based. Most hacker-crackers cannot write UNIX code. Hollywood loves their ALWAYS WORKING Macs! ♥



PC = PERSONAL COMPUTER just like linux and apple



PC is NOT windows



or POLITICALLY CORRECT



My macs have never 'broken down'!!!



Our TWO XPs fried their motherboards. Macs save us $6,000. Which we used to BUY $$$$ NEW motherboards.



Loving my always working macs.



Every day my husband curses windows! What a way to compute.



I was at IBM - 1990- when B. Gates was there 'working on' OS/2.



Then he releases 'windows' looking JUST LIKE OS/2!!! Wow.

Answer 17

ya apple macs are better than pcs

Answer 18

Mac's are not better than PC's.



Mac's are not worth the cost.



And yes, Mac's get viruses and crash just like PC's.

Mac's just dont get viruses as often...but who gives a crap...grow a pair and learn how to fix the computer yourself...and also stop going to suspicious sites and accepting any file that is requesting access.

the only thing Mac's have going for them is they look nice(but screw that ....iv seen plenty of PC's that look just as good) and their artsy and music programs that they use/come with

but screw that as well....i know like 90% of yall download music illegally...why not download programs illegally?

usually the Mac buyers are the people who are computer illiterate or that are convinced that they dont crash or get viruses(yes they do...my friends have macs....not to mention on their macs they run windows and linux ...so what was the point of buying a mac? none) . or they usually just want to look "cool".

also



you cant hack on a mac OS...you actually cant do much on a mac OS....and macs suck at games.

Answer 19

it depand on what you you have used and are used to but in my opinion i would say pc although an appler cpu is more stable than windows and highly unlikely to get viruses pc s are better in terms off people get to understand them better than apple

Answer 20

No they're not worth the cost. You're just paying for the label. They are overpriced and overrated and are built for people who don't know how to use computers.



Good luck trying to upgrade one too.

Answer 21

I personally like my Macs but "better" is a very vague word they run smooth and don't have problems with viruses, look very nice, and are very stream line in design.

Answer 22

mac's are Personal Computers(PCs)

Answer 23

The OS is far superior to windows, but you could also just use Linux for free which is far superior to windows as well. I have a macbook, at the moment I am using linux, but I go back and forth.

Answer 24

PCs are waaay better than Macs...

Answer 25

It depends if you like slow crappy computers, then go with a Mac. But if you want a fast running computer, go with a PC.

Answer 26

nope mac is like a nintendo wii you get the console but to play anything you gotta buy attachments its easier to get a normal pc

Answer 27

i think it depends on what ur going to use it for. and u usually have to buy stuff to go along with it like iLife and such. But i am perfectly happy with my mac

Answer 28

i think that macs are maybe a little faster and they have a webcam but some other pcs have webcams and thats about it

Answer 29

Totally worth the cost.

They don't crash.

No stupid pop ups/ failure notices

And most importantly... no BSOD.

And they can operate vista faster than ANY windows. Epic Win.

Answer 30

not worth the cost

Answer 31

NOT worth the cost



--coming from a pc owna!!!! LUV MY PC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 32

They are way better and totally worth it.

Answer 33

Macs are not better than PCs, and are not worth the cost, read below for why..



PC=Variety of specs, options, quality, prices, vendors, support

Mac=One vendor, limited options, still more expensive. Look below for more information..



Today, Macs use a subset of PC hardware. Why spend extra to get the same CPU chips, graphics cards and OS X isn't as secure as you think..



Don't believe the lies that Macs are better than PCs at graphics/animation.. Dreamworks Animation http://www.dreamworksanimation.com/ under studio click on Technology of Animation, an independent film maker I know uses PCs, a graphic artist I used to know uses PCs also.



A number of PCs can also run OS X (Mac OS) http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=os+x+on+pc&btnG=Google+Search&aq=0&oq=os+x+on+ as well just that Apple makes it illegal in order to get Market share.. The reason why Mac can run native Windows is because it is using a subset of PC hardware,



If you decide to buy a Mac for running Windows, you will still have to get the same virus/spyware protection, and run into the same issues as a regular PC.





Now is a Mac worth buying for OS X?



I say: NO... for the following reasons...



ADVANTAGES WINDOWS :

Aprox 90% of the market is Windows and most PCs have windows already pre-installed.

1) Some websites require Internet Explorer, to run IE on Mac you really get ies4osx which is the Windows version of IE running really buggy and illegal if you don't have a legitimate copy of Windows.

2) Supports more devices (printers and other things you hook into the computer).

3) More business software/games

4) Want the dock on OS X (Mac)? google/yahoo rocketdock, objectdoc.

5) Used by businesses.



ADVANTAGES LINUX :

1) FREE (most versions are)

2) Install software by either 1) Synaptic Package Manager, 2) Add/Remove 3) Opening a .deb or .rpm file (depending on distribution)

2) Like the Mac OS X effects? go yahoo/google COMPIZ FUSION which can do any cool effect a Mac can do and many ore....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4Fbk52Mk1w

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3gkX9HDfEE (there is no flickering when you use it like on the video, not sure why the person has the flicker)

3) Mac OS X Doc? google/yahoo Avant Window Navigator.Cairo Dock, http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3rf5q_cairo-dock-mac-os-x-leopard-dock-on_tech

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0hzi22g2DE

4) It is FASTER/MORE SECURE to surf on the internet

5) Some Windows programs work with Wnehq/Crossover (also avail on Mac, but why pay $$$)



Instructions how to download, burn and boot http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/use-ubuntu-live-cd-to-backup-files-from-your-dead-windows-computer/

Dual Boot Instructions http://apcmag.com/how_to_dual_boot_windows_xp_and_linux_xp_installed_first.htm



SECURITY

Mac OS X was hacked in 2006 less than 30 minutes, and within 2 minutes in a contest in 2008, and within 10 seconds in 2009. In 2008, Linux and Vista were not hacked until another day when restrictions were lowered. Vista was next, and then Linux. In 2009 Windows 7 fell shortly after the Mac but Linux was unscathed.

Macs are standardized with Cameras, if your Mac gets hacked, the hacker can turn on your camera with more ease.

Please Note: All OS's have vulnerabilities.

http://www.zdnet.com.au/news/security/soa/Mac-OS-X-hacked-under-30-minutes/0,130061744,139241748,00.htm

http://www.infoworld.com/article/08/03/27/Gone-in-2-minutes-Mac-gets-hacked-first-in-contest_1.html

http://www.infoworld.com/article/09/03/19/Researcher_cracks_Mac_in_10_seconds_1.html

http://news.softpedia.com/news/Microsoft-Finds-Irony-in-Mac-OS-X-Getting-Hacked-Before-Vista-SP1-82135.shtml



VIRUSES

Mac OS X has viruses (and significantly on the rise), a friend of mine has a virused Mac. As more users use Macs, more viruses will come out for it. Especially when users think "they are safe".

http://infosecurity.us/?p=4005

http://blogs.chron.com/techblog/archives/2008/07/malware_authors_take_aim_at_growing_number_of_1.html

http://www.macsimumnews.com/index.php/archive/poll_have_you_noticed_an_increase_in_malware_viruses_etc_on_your_mac/



QUALITY/PROBLEMS

Contrary to belief, Macs are not better quality. Apple also has been changing suppliers to try to "lower the price" and thus lowering quality. Even with the lower prices, Macs still cost more, they spend a higher percent of budget trying to make it look pretty, and marketing.



Sample of problems: Overheating Macbooks, OS X- not responding to keyboard, some units with 16bit screens, etc. Apple statistics are misleading since Mac users with problem machines are more likely to go out and buy a new computer than PC users. Apple is lowering prices which means you can expect lower quality than in the past. Apple had switched the manufacturers producing parts. OS X also has problems slowing down.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-10020263-17.html

http://www.tuaw.com/2008/08/01/apples-quality-dwindling-my-macbook-pro-sob-story/

http://www.appledefects.com/

http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/os-x-operating-system/107748-mac-os-leopard-running-slow.html



Repairs are more expensive than PCs since the IMac, Mac Mini are compact units, and Apple charges a premium for their services. Some repairs can be done by another repair service but the compact design of the computer causes problems.

With an IMac, if the problem is with the monitor, the whole computer would have to be brought in.

IMac and Mac mini lack expansion.



PRICE

A similar equipped PC is much cheaper to purchase than Mac. Lets use Dell (but you can compare with another PC Brand if you like)



**(LAPTOP)

Dell Inspiron Laptop Starting Price: $500

Ending Price: $500

15" Screen

CPU: 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo [5% slower]

Graphics: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X4500HD [Not as good/fine for general use[

Memory: 3GB DDR2 SDRAM [75% of ram)

Hard Drive: 320GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm (same)

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=dndozm4&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&kc=laptop-inspiron-1545



Cybperpower Notebook Xplorer X5-2900 Starting Price: $755

Ending Price After upgrades (not including 5% rebate): $860

15" Screen

CPU: (upgrade to) 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (+$100) [FASTER]

Graphics: Nvidia GFORCE 9600-GT 512MB [MUCH FASTER/BETTER CARD]

Memory: 4GB DDR2 SDRAM [MORE MEMORY]

Hard Drive: (upgrade to) 320GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm (+$5) [LARGER HARD DRIVE]

http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/Xplorer_X5-2900_Notebook/detail



Macbook Starting laptop Price: $1000

Ending Price After Upgrades: $1200

13" Screen (SMALLER)

CPU: 2.1GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (SLOWER)

Graphics: Nvidia GFORCE 9400 256MB

Memory: (upgrade to) 4GB DDR2 SDRAM (SAME)

Hard Drive (upgrade to) 320B Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm (SAME)

http://store.apple.com/us/configure/MC240LL/A?mco=NjcxMTQ3Ng





**(DESKTOP)



PLEASE NOTE: I compare Apple Mac's vs Dells best deal. If you really want an all-in one the Dell all-in-one has more ram, wireless keyboard and mouse and equivalent to $400 for free making the Imac still more expensive when you matching specs. Personally I don't think the All-in-Ones are a good choice, and consider them overpriced, lack expandability and repairs both more expensive and require the entire computer.



PS: Apple knows that they need to make Macintosh look different than PC so all Macs except the Mac Pro will not have a tower option. Apple's low end lacks expandability but it makes the Mac "look different", if Mac had a tower for low-end, more people would realize the similarities between the two.



Dell: ($700)

CPU: 2.33 GHZ Dell Inspiron QUAD (4 Processor) CORE

SCREEN: 20inch Screen

MEMORY: 4GB Ram

HARD DRIVE: 500 GB hard Drive

OPTICAL DRIVE: 16x DVD/CD Read/Writer

GRAPHICS: ATI Radeon HD 512MB

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=dddwra4&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&kc=desktop-inspiron-537s



The Mac Mini since it has no monitor, keyboard, mouse, very skimpy on options and setup and is not the best deal... The IMac is better price than the Mac Mini.



IMac ($1300)

CPU: 2.4 GHZ DUAL (2 Processor) CORE (SLOWER CPU)

SCREEN: 20inch Screen

MEMORY: (upgrade to) 4GB Ram (SAME)

HARD DRIVE: (upgrade to ) 320 GB hard Drive (LESS HARD DRIVE)

OPTICAL DRIVE: 8x DVD Reader/Writer (1/2 speed)

GRAPHICS: Nvidia Geforce 9400M (APPROX SAME BUT LESS MEMORY GAPHICS)

http://store.apple.com/us/configure/MB417LL/A?mco=NDE4Mzg3Ng



Equivalents to ILife

http://www.jakeludington.com/ask_jake/20070830_ilife_for_windows.html

http://www.xsellize.com/showthread.php?t=20518



FREE Windows Stufff

http://www.comodo.com/products/free_products.html

http://www.iobit.com/

http://www.ccleaner.com/

ANTI-VIRUS

Avira Antivir (FREE) for 2009 personal edition is free (there is a paid version) the free version was rated the best by consumer reports 2009.

http://www.free-av.com/ Avast (Free- Click under Free Software and download Avast Home Edition) http://www.avast.com/



ANTI-MALWARE

Windows Defender (FREE)

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/defender/default.mspx

Malware Bytes (FREE) Limitation - No Realtime protection on free version.

http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10804572.html?tag=mncol

Super Anti-Spyware (FREE)

http://download.cnet.com/SuperAntiSpyware-Free-Edition/3000-8022_4-10523889.html?tag=mncol



LINUX INFO:

http://distrowatch.com/

http://polishlinux.org/

http://www.desktoplinux.com/

http://polishlinux.org/

http://www.ubuntu.com/



http://www.kubuntu.org/

http://www.freespire.org/

http://www.pclinuxos.com/

http://xwinman.org/gnome.php

http://xwinman.org/kde.php

http://www.linuxalt.com/

http://screencasts.ubuntu.com/

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/SwitchingToUbuntu/FromMacOSX

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/SwitchingToUbuntu/Fr